About Us
Since 1786
The tradition of milling flour runs deep in the Godrich family, with a legacy dating back to 1786. Originally operating in Hampshire England, in the village of Durley and later in Wickham, the family has long been associated with flour milling. Harry Godrich enlisted in the Constabulary in 1899 and was deployed to South Africa to participate in the Anglo-Boer War. Following the war, as the second son, he saw no reason to return to England. He was a skilled millstone sharpener and was asked to sharpen the stones at a small water mill located in the village of Erasmus (which was later renamed Bronkhorstspruit).
After beginning his employment at the mill, he eventually assumed control of the entire operation, leading to the establishment of Godrich Mills in South Africa in 1902. As a man of progressive vision, he modernized the mill by implementing steam power, thereby propelling it into a new era of industrial advancement. He had six children, all of whom were working in the mill. The three daughters played vital roles in maintaining the operations, while the sons went to serve in the Second World War (1939-1945).
After completing military service, the sons and their wives returned to the family milling business. They contributed to the company by introducing electricity to the village and overseeing the construction of a new mill powered by electricity.
The business grew, and soon two of the brothers bought their brother and sister out, and so the second generation of Godrich continued. After receiving a comprehensive education and completing their university studies, the sons of the brothers entered the family business and expanded its operations, particularly in the areas of motor and property divisions. After Tony finished his BCom in Natal, he attended a year-long course at the Swiss Milling School.
After returning to South Africa, Tony embarked on implementing new and improved ideas as it was now his opportunity to leave a lasting impact on the business. Despite facing numerous challenges and frustrations, Tony and his brother Harry remained committed to their goals, and together they gradually built a business they could take pride in. Godrich Mills now boasts two fully automated maize mills.
Tony is the father of three daughters: Karen, Nancy, and Candace. Additionally, his son-in-law Jacques, his cousin Harry, and his sister Gaye are all involved in the family business. The fourth generation is currently active within the enterprise. The phrase “Family Millers with distinction” displayed on trucks and bags is more than just a casual assertion; it genuinely represents a family of millers with a distinguished reputation.
New Generation
Throughout the years, Godrich Mills has undergone numerous changes and advancements, all aimed at staying current with the demands of the modern era. Over the last few years, the mill has undergone a significant expansion, resulting in a doubling of its flour output. To increase the floor space, an extensive building exercise was carried out, involving both horizontal and vertical expansion of the structure.
Upon the completion of the building, Buhler, an international specialist in milling equipment, was engaged to oversee the installation and integration of the new fully automated systems. The mill operates through a series of automated systems that cover all operational aspects, starting from grain delivery, proceeding to the separation of wheat and chaff, all the way to the bagging and packaging process.
Cutting-edge equipment from top Lab Suppliers, a leader in analytical technology, is utilized in the laboratory for a crucial aspect of our operations. This department plays a critical role in detecting any irregularities in the wheat.
The sustantial fleet of trucks and flour tankers have been established with a trailer that clearly reflects the pride in the family concern, “Family Millers Since 1902”.
Since 1786
The tradition of milling flour runs deep in the Godrich family, with a legacy dating back to 1786. Originally operating in Hampshire England, in the village of Durley and later in Wickham, the family has long been associated with flour milling. Harry Godrich enlisted in the Constabulary in 1899 and was deployed to South Africa to participate in the Anglo-Boer War. Following the war, as the second son, he saw no reason to return to England. He was a skilled millstone sharpener and was asked to sharpen the stones at a small water mill located in the village of Erasmus (which was later renamed Bronkhorstspruit).
After beginning his employment at the mill, he eventually assumed control of the entire operation, leading to the establishment of Godrich Mills in South Africa in 1902. As a man of progressive vision, he modernized the mill by implementing steam power, thereby propelling it into a new era of industrial advancement. He had six children, all of whom were working in the mill. The three daughters played vital roles in maintaining the operations, while the sons went to serve in the Second World War (1939-1945).
After completing military service, the sons and their wives returned to the family milling business. They contributed to the company by introducing electricity to the village and overseeing the construction of a new mill powered by electricity.
The business grew, and soon two of the brothers bought their brother and sister out, and so the second generation of Godrich continued. After receiving a comprehensive education and completing their university studies, the sons of the brothers entered the family business and expanded its operations, particularly in the areas of motor and property divisions. After Tony finished his BCom in Natal, he attended a year-long course at the Swiss Milling School.
After returning to South Africa, Tony embarked on implementing new and improved ideas as it was now his opportunity to leave a lasting impact on the business. Despite facing numerous challenges and frustrations, Tony and his brother Harry remained committed to their goals, and together they gradually built a business they could take pride in. Godrich Mills now boasts two fully automated maize mills.
Tony is the father of three daughters: Karen, Nancy, and Candace. Additionally, his son-in-law Jacques, his cousin Harry, and his sister Gaye are all involved in the family business. The fourth generation is currently active within the enterprise. The phrase “Family Millers with distinction” displayed on trucks and bags is more than just a casual assertion; it genuinely represents a family of millers with a distinguished reputation.
New Generation
Throughout the years, Godrich Mills has undergone numerous changes and advancements, all aimed at staying current with the demands of the modern era. Over the last few years, the mill has undergone a significant expansion, resulting in a doubling of its flour output. To increase the floor space, an extensive building exercise was carried out, involving both horizontal and vertical expansion of the structure.
Upon the completion of the building, Buhler, an international specialist in milling equipment, was engaged to oversee the installation and integration of the new fully automated systems. The mill operates through a series of automated systems that cover all operational aspects, starting from grain delivery, proceeding to the separation of wheat and chaff, all the way to the bagging and packaging process.
Cutting-edge equipment from top Lab Suppliers, a leader in analytical technology, is utilized in the laboratory for a crucial aspect of our operations. This department plays a critical role in detecting any irregularities in the wheat.
The sustantial fleet of trucks and flour tankers have been established with a trailer that clearly reflects the pride in the family concern, “Family Millers Since 1902”.
